Bolton Wanderers denied today Middlesbrough's claim they had agreed a fee for striker MichaelRicketts.
Middlesbrough's website said a fee had been agreed and the transfer-listed 24-year-old was on his way to discuss personal terms and take a medical.
But Bolton said in a statement on their website: "Contrary to reports in the media, as of 3.30 pm today, we have not had an official bid from Middlesbrough Football Club for Michael Ricketts.
"There are still a few hours to go until the transfer window closes and we will monitor the situation and see if anything progresses."
Earlier, a Middlesbrough spokesman would not confirm media reports saying Boro would pay Stg£4millionfor Ricketts.
"We don't have anything to say yet on Ricketts," he said. Premier league rivals Tottenham had been favourites to land the striker, who has won one England cap, against the Netherlands last season.
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough have said they are still in discussions over Derby striker Malcolm Christie and team mate Chris Riggott, a defender.
The Boro spokesman said they had not committed to buying the players at the end of the season. "It's just a loan deal. We'll wait and see," he said.
Middlesbrough have struggled badly in recent weeks and have scored only 29 goals from 25 league matches all season. A 5-2 home defeat by Aston Villa in midweek dropped Boro to 14th.
PA